The Denver Broncos’ offensive output as a whole is concerning, but one player in particular is having a rough start to the season. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s production has fallen off the charts, with only nine catches for 86 yards through four games.
Sutton, who has been one of the most featured and trusted receivers for quarterback Bo Nix since he entered the league in 2024, has now seen more targets go to Jaylen Waddle in 2026. It's not merely a matter of targets, though, as Sutton turned six targets into just one catch for four yards against the San Francisco 49ers last week.
“We have to look at, if he's not playing outside and Waddle is, then how do we get him away from the rotation?” Denver coach Sean Payton said. “We've had some opportunities,
but there are a handful of things that aren't clicking. We've got to figure it out fast because we're going into Week 5."
Nix gave a noncommittal answer when it came to why Sutton is not jiving early on this season.
"You know, I have to go back and watch (the tape)," Nix said on Sunday when asked about Sutton's seemingly diminished role thus far. "I obviously have the same angle the whole game, but interested to see what actually goes on and how they're doing a good job of covering him, but I don't know. That's a week-to-week thing, and I know we targeted him today. It's just, we got to connect it a little bit more.”
Sutton has been one of the more reliable third-down targets for Nix and the offense in the past. However, to start the season, the offense has looked discombobulated. Payton said they are trying to address the problem.
"We have to look closely at the things that we can do as teachers to help them,” Payton said.
Look for Sutton to try to get more catches against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. If not, Sutton's lack of progress may be a problem moving forward.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton comments on Courtland Sutton’s lack of production: ‘We have to look at’
